Silky Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Cozy Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: Autumn’s Hug in a Bowl

Chilly evenings call for a warm, comforting silky butternut squash soup that wraps you in pure culinary bliss.

Vibrant orange and velvety smooth, this soup captures the essence of autumn’s bounty.

Roasted butternut squash melts into a luxurious blend of creamy textures and rich, earthy flavors.

Subtle hints of warm spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of comfort.

Packed with nutrients and warmth, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish.

Hearty and satisfying, it promises to become your go-to recipe when you need a soul-warming meal that delights from the first sip to the last.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You Need For Butternut Squash Soup

For Main Ingredients:
  • Butternut Squash: Sweet winter squash with creamy texture, select firm squash with deep color for richest flavor.
  • Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and enhances overall soup's savory profile, choose low-sodium for better control.
  • Onion: Provides aromatic foundation and subtle sweetness, select firm onions without soft spots.
  • Garlic: Adds robust flavor and health-boosting properties, choose fresh bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.
  • Carrot: Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant color, pick bright orange carrots without blemishes.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements squash's natural sweetness, use ground Ceylon cinnamon for superior taste.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity and rich undertone, select high-quality Spanish varieties.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides gentle sweetness and sophisticated flavor, opt for pure grade A maple syrup.
For Finishing and Creaminess:
  • Olive Oil: Creates silky texture and supports roasting process, choose extra virgin for best quality.
  • Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious smoothness and rich mouthfeel, select full-fat versions for maximum creaminess.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor, toast seeds for enhanced taste.
  • Fresh Herbs: Brings brightness and freshness, choose parsley or chives for elegant garnish.

Kitchen Tools For Butternut Squash Soup

  • Large Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting butternut squash evenly with golden edges.
  • Large Pot: Perfect for simmering and cooking soup ingredients together.
  • Immersion Blender: Key tool for creating smooth, creamy soup texture right in the pot.
  • Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping butternut squash, onion, garlic, and carrot.
  • Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add olive oil, spices, and maple syrup.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing soup ingredients.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into bowls with precision.

Steps To Make Butternut Squash Soup Smooth And Cozy

  • Roast Butternut Squash

Place butternut squash pieces on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Slide the tray into a hot oven at 400F and let the squash caramelize for about 30 minutes until edges turn golden brown and cubes become tender.

  • Sauté Aromatics

Warm a large pot over medium heat. Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced carrots into the pot. Cook until vegetables soften and release their sweet fragrance, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

  • Combine and Simmer

Drop roasted squash into the pot with sautéed vegetables. Pour in vegetable broth and sprinkle warming spices like cinnamon and smoked paprika. Add a touch of maple syrup for depth. Let everything bubble gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and dance together.

  • Blend and Finish

Transform the soup into silky smoothness using an immersion blender or standard blender. Swirl in coconut milk to create a luxurious, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasonings until the soup sings with flavor.

  • Serve with Love

Ladle the vibrant orange soup into waiting bowls. Scatter toasted pumpkin seeds on top, drizzle with extra coconut milk, and garnish with fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread for a comforting meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Tips To Make Butternut Squash Soup Even Better

  • Roasting Magic: Skip the roasting step for a quicker soup, but the caramelized edges of roasted squash add incredible depth and sweetness to the final dish.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream or coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, plant-based version that keeps the soup creamy and smooth.
  • Spice Adventure: Experiment with different warming spices like ginger, turmeric, or nutmeg to create unique flavor profiles that complement the butternut squash's natural sweetness.
  • Texture Play: For added texture, reserve some roasted squash cubes and gently stir them into the blended soup, creating delightful chunky bites throughout the creamy base.

How To Serve Butternut Squash Soup Warm And Fresh

  • Harvest Table Companion: Pair this creamy butternut squash soup with a rustic sourdough or whole grain bread for a hearty texture contrast.
  • Topping Treasure Trove: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, roasted pumpkin seeds, or crumbled goat cheese on top to add delightful crunch and rich flavor complexity.
  • Sidekick Suggestions: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with apple cider vinaigrette or complement with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting winter meal that warms from the inside out.
  • Temperature Balance: Enjoy the soup immediately after preparing while it's steaming hot, ensuring maximum flavor and creamy consistency for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Storage Advice For Butternut Squash Soup Made Easy

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple portions during weekend cooking sessions, storing extra soup in airtight containers for quick weekday meals. Refrigerate for 4-5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience.
  • Freezer-Friendly Method: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for effortless future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Temperature Control Technique: Reheat soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency. Add splash of vegetable broth if soup becomes too thick during reheating. Avoid boiling to prevent separation of cream or coconut milk.
  • Container Selection Strategy: Choose glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids for optimal storage. Wide-mouth containers facilitate easier pouring and cleaning. Use stackable containers to maximize refrigerator and freezer space efficiently.
Print
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Silky Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Silky Butternut Squash Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican butternut squash soup combines roasted seasonal vegetables with creamy textures and warm spices. Hearty comfort emerges through balanced flavors, inviting you to savor each nourishing spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs/907 g, peeled, seeded, and cubed)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium carrot (chopped, optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika or nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • drizzle of coconut milk or cream
  • fresh thyme or parsley
  • croutons or crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Roast Squash: Peel, deseed, and cube butternut squash, then arrange on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and roast in a preheated oven until golden brown and tender, developing a concentrated flavor profile.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium temperature. Combine diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, releasing their essential oils.
  3. Build Soup Base: Integrate roasted squash cubes into the vegetable mixture, then pour in vegetable broth. Introduce ground cinnamon, smoky paprika, and maple syrup to create depth and warmth.
  4. Simmer and Blend: Gently simmer the mixture, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender. Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky-smooth consistency, working carefully to eliminate lumps.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream for a luxurious, creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with toasted pumpkin seeds, a coconut milk drizzle, and fresh herb leaves.
  6. Serve: Accompany the soup with crusty artisan bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting, nourishing meal.

Notes

  • Precise Squash Cutting: Create uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting and consistent soup texture, preventing uneven cooking and maintaining balanced flavor.
  • Roasting Technique: Spread squash pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing proper caramelization and preventing steaming instead of roasting for deeper flavor development.
  • Blending Smoothness: Use an immersion blender slowly and methodically, tilting the pot and moving in circular motions to eliminate potential lumps and achieve a silky, restaurant-quality consistency.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Easily convert the recipe to vegan by substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and ensuring vegetable broth is plant-based, maintaining the soup’s rich, creamy profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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